Prominent German politician defends departure from Twitter

BERLIN (AP) — One of Germany's most prominent politicians is defending his decision to leave Twitter, which was questioned by some political rivals.

Opposition Green party co-leader Robert Habeck quit Twitter and Facebook last week. He cited a much-mocked faux pas in a video posted on Twitter and a recent hack of German politicians' data, in which Habeck was one of the worst-affected figures.

Habeck said in an interview with Sunday's Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung newspaper that Twitter "is a medium one can use or not." He added "there is a democratic majority in Germany that views Twitter skeptically."

Habeck's move has been greeted with some skepticism. Christian Lindner of the pro-business Free Democrats said that "you have to show the flag where people argue and you have to fight for positions."

FILE -- In this Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019 photo Robert Habeck, co-chairman of the German Green party, speaks during as press conference in Frankfurt on the Oder, Germany. One of Germany’s most prominent politicians is defending his decision to leave Twitter, questioned by some political rivals.
Opposition Green party co-leader Robert Habeck quit Twitter and Facebook last week. (Patrick Pleul/dpa via AP)